Shocking Solution 2

CWSF · 2026 Curiosity & Ingenuity

Emmett Shropshall · Intermediate Division · Grades 9–10

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Overview

Shocking Solution Shocking Solution is an innovation class project based upon the synthesis of rubies utilizing water based fuel. In order to create the intense heat required to crystalize the almina, most methods utilize plasma welders. There are two problems with this aproach, on demand electricity, and the cost of the equipment. Water based fuel solves these problems, costing around 3000 - 4000 times less expensive, only requiring 50 watts of energy. Once running, my prototype was able to successfully create true ruby, all in under $250 Canadian. The ability to create ruby on such a low budget is definetely worth while. Mining components, blades, abrasives, watch components, jewlry, and much more all have potential for ruby integration.

Video

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Why?

My goal was to demonstrate a new method of ruby synthesis, one cost effective, easy, and accessible at small scales. This project was inspired by one of my previous science fair projects on water-based fuel efficiency. Currently industrial grade rubies average from $20 - $70 per carat Canadian, whereas the rubies produced through my project cost $0.08 - $0.20 Canadian. The benefits of incorporating synthetic rubies with electrolysis would be incredible, cheaper production of watches, surgical scalpels, mining and drilling operations and much more.

How?

I personally use a decimal version system to keep track of my prototypes, and with each .1 increase, comes a new prototype. Upon reaching a new method, my first number increases. After 22 prototypes, version 3.4-v1 was created. Six total explosions were recorded, all in a safe and contained environment.

My research came almost entirely from my own current knowledge in this field, and research involving rubies came from The Natural Ruby Company. I fact checked my information through multiple web sources and direct credit pages on these sites.

What?

After many attempts, I was able to successfully synthesize a ruby. My successful prototype, 3.4-v1, used water-based fuel to operate. The torch itself burns at around 3 000 degrees Celsius; this intense heat is caused by the chemical reaction of 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. In simple terms, I used a metal-bodied container style contraption to electrolyze water. Once the hydrogen is generated, it is mixed with oxygen and then burned in a controlled flame torch.

My application of the torch was to melt alumina, a chemically similar material to ruby, into a superheated molten drop, which then crystallizes as it cools into a ruby.

So What?

Based on results alone, I can conclude that Shocking Solution is a project with real movement. The ability to transform basic materials into ruby is quite literal alchemy. My results proved how effective the machine, and product. Not only did I deepen my understanding of energy, physics, chemistry but also alot about electrolysis.

What's Next?

My main bottleneck for the project was most likely budget, the ability to purchase a tungsten needle to absorb more heat would benefit the machine. Other factors revolving around budget would tie back to the main electrolyzer body. If it weren't for leakage, the whole process would've run smoother overall.

My next steps to continue would be to purchase an airtight pressure container and a new needle, thus creating prototype 4.0-b.